Impaired driving charges can apply to anyone who is operating a vehicle, regardless if it is in motion or not. If convicted, penalties can range from fairly simple, such as fines or temporary suspensions, to more severe consequences, such as a prison sentence of five years. The outcome of these cases could affect your life — your relationships, your job and your reputation.
I’m Michel Fontaine, a criminal defence lawyer serving Edmonton, Alberta, and surrounding areas for over 30 years. I will analyze every aspect of your case. If you are dependant on your driver’s licence for your livelihood, I will utilize every reasonable defence to fend off loss or suspension of your driving privileges.
Did The Police Have ‘Reasonable Grounds’ To Demand A Drug Test?
If police have reasonable grounds to suspect that your driving is impaired, they can demand that you perform a drug evaluation consisting of physical observations and tests. If the evaluation is positive, you need speak to a lawyer right away before agreeing to anything else.
What constitutes ‘reasonable grounds’ and the types of drug evaluations an officer can request are continually revised by the Canadian government. They are committed to creating stronger laws to severely punish those who drive while under the influence of drugs, including cannabis.
My firm, Michel Fontaine, Criminal Lawyer, will study every detail of your case. From initial traffic stop by police to examining the protection of all your rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, my job is to develop a solid defence for your circumstances.
Presumption Of Innocence
I believe that everyone — no matter who you are — should be given a fair trial. You are presumed innocent and, if necessary, should be given the chance to plead your case in front of a judge.
In order to determine exactly why the charges were brought against you and how strong of a defence the facts of your case present, I will carefully scrutinize your case. We will determine which defence strategy stands the best chance of gaining an outcome to meet your needs.
Call My Firm Now
Many people facing impaired driving charges are not familiar with how the process works or how a lawyer can protect their rights. If you have a question, you can always give me a call at 800-419-7753 or send me an email using our online form.
